Comparison of Different 3D Scanning Sensors

Data creates value. With the development of artificial intelligence and IoT, more and more applications require the collection and utilization of 3D image data. Those 3D image data require the use of 3D scanning sensors. Therefore, 3D sensors are increasingly playing an important role. There are various 3D scanning sensors on the market. Each has its advantages, disadvantages, and applications. Thus, choosing the right 3D scanning sensor is essential for the 3D data collection. In this article, we will compare the most common 3D scanning sensors on the market, and hope it will help your selection of the correct sensor.

Binocular Sensor

With two cameras, the principle of binocular 3D sensors is similar to a pair of human eyes. Thus, the sensors can perceive the depth or distinguish the distance of an object. We can use 3D sensors in scenarios like machine vision, autonomous driving, and a mechanical device controlling, etc. However, binocular sensors require that the surface of the targeted object can neither be too complex nor too simple. For instance, the detection of a white wall would be a challenging job for binocular sensors. In this scenario, 3D LiDAR sensors can do a better job than binocular sensors do. Besides, the measuring distance of binocular sensors is also much shorter than that of LiDAR sensors.

Structured Light Sensor

Structured light sensors are sensors using projected light patterns together with a camera to measure the three-dimensional shape of an object. Even at night, the sensors can function well, and the power consumption is very low. Besides, within a certain range, the sensors can reach high accuracy and high resolution. As ambient light can easily affect the functioning of the sensors, outdoor applications are limited. We can use structured light sensors in the Face ID system, shape measurement, reverse engineering, and so on.

ToF Sensor

Structured light sensors are sensors using projected light patterns together with a camera to measure the three-dimensional shape of an object. Even at night, the sensors can function well, and the power consumption is very low. Besides, within a certain range, the sensors can reach high accuracy and high resolution. As ambient light can easily affect the functioning of the sensors, outdoor applications are limited. We can use structured light sensors in the Face ID system, shape measurement, reverse engineering, and so on.

LiDAR Sensor

There are several types of LiDAR sensors, including mechanical LiDAR sensors, OPA LiDAR sensors, flash LiDAR sensors, mems LiDAR sensors, and FMCW LiDAR sensors.

Mechanical LiDAR Sensor

Mechanical LiDAR sensors can collect data from a wide area of up to 360 degrees. This allows detailed mapping of the environment. However, the moving parts within mechanical LiDAR sensors result in low reliability and a short life span. For commercial deployments like autonomous vehicles, mechanical LiDAR sensors are not an ideal solution.

OPA 3D LiDAR Sensor

Unlike mechanical LiDAR sensors, OPA (optical phased array) sensors are purely solid-state. Inside an OPA LiDAR sensor, there is an optical phase modulator that controls the speed of lights, enabling the control of optical wave-front shape. The laser beam will be able to point in different directions. Without mechanical movements, the durability of the OPA sensors is much higher. Currently, OPA technology is not mature enough. It might take a few more years before a solid OPA LiDAR sensor becomes available for commercial use.

Flash 3D LiDAR Sensor

Flash 3D LiDAR sensors are also in solid-state. The system delivers a flashlight to detect the targeted area at once. Then the image sensor will analyze the information. Flash LiDAR sensors require powerful light sources. However, the measuring distance and field of view are worse, compared with scanning LiDAR sensors. Flash LiDAR sensor has the advantages in low cost and high stability. However, the detection range of flash 3D LiDAR sensors is only 10-30 meters. Although some flash LiDAR sensors can detect objects at a further distance such as 100 meters, the drawback is lower resolution, compared with MEMS or Mechanical LiDAR sensors.

MEMS 3D LiDAR Sensor

MEMS 3D LiDAR sensors utilize the microelectromechanical system, which replaces mechanical scanning hardware to make the sensor much more reliable. We can apply MEMS 3D LiDAR sensors in autonomous driving, machine vision, etc. This technology is what Neuvition Technology is specializing.

Neuvition focuses on the development of 3D solid-state LiDARs and has achieved breakthroughs. All Neuvition LiDAR sensors, including Titan M1, Titan M1-A, Titan M1-R, Titan M1-Pro, and Titan S1, are using MEMS technology. With features of a high resolution of 480 to 700 lines, a long detection range of 200 meters to 600 meters, and high reliability, Neuvition’s 3D LiDAR sensors are the most advanced solid-state LiDAR sensors in the world. Whether you are in the industries of autonomous driving, smart city, surveillance, or robotics, you can choose the LiDAR sensors from Neuvition and you will find our LiDAR sensors are just so right for you.